Healthcare

Medical School Construction Grant Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010

Medical School Construction Grant Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a program to award grants to eligible medical schools for the purpose of constructing, renovating, or improving medical school facilities to increase the supply of physicians. Sets forth the allocation of such awards with first priority given to new medical schools.

Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010

Reconciliation Act of 2010 - Sets forth legislative language on health care reform and investing in education submitted to the House Budget Committee by the Ways and Means Committee and the Education and Labor Committee pursuant to reconciliation instructions of Section 202 of S. Con. Res. 13, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2010. The table of contents of H.R. 4872 as reported by the Budget Committee is presented here: Division I: Committee on Ways and Means: Health Care Reform Division short title: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 Subdivision A: Affordable Health Care Choices Title I: Protections and Standards for Qualified Health Benefits Plans Subtitle A: General Standards Subtitle B: Standards Guaranteeing Access to Affordable Coverage Subtitle C: Standards Guaranteeing Access to Essential Benefits Subtitle D: Additional Consumer Protections Subtitle E: Governance Subtitle F: Relation to Other Requirements; Miscellaneous Subtitle G: Early Investments Title II: Health Insurance Exchange and Related Provisions Subtitle A: Health Insurance Exchange Subtitle B: Public Health Insurance Option Subtitle C: Individual Affordability Credits Title III: Shared Responsibility Subtitle A: Individual Responsibility Subtitle B: Employer Responsibility Title IV: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Subtitle A: Shared Responsibility Subtitle B: Credit for Small Business Employee Health Coverage Expenses Subtitle C: Disclosures to Carry Out Health Insurance Exchange Subsidies Subtitle D: Other Revenue Provisions Subdivision B: Medicare and Medicaid Improvements Title I: Improving Health Care Value Subtitle A: Provisions Related to Medicare Part A Subtitle B: Provisions Related to Part B Subtitle C: Provisions Related to Medicare Parts A and B Subtitle D: Medicare Advantage Reforms Subtitle E: Improvements to Medicare Part D Subtitle F: Medicare Rural Access Protections Title II: Medicare Beneficiary Improvements Subtitle A: Improving and Simplifying Financial Assistance for Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries Subtitle B: Reducing Health Disparities Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Improvements Title III: Promoting Primary Care, Mental Health Services, and Coordinated Care Title IV: Quality Subtitle A: Comparative Effectiveness Research Subtitle B: Nursing Home Transparency Subtitle C: Quality Measurements Subtitle D: Physician Payments Sunshine Provision Subtitle E: Public Reporting on Health Care-Associated Infections Title V: Medicare Graduate Medical Education Title VI: Program Integrity Subtitle A: Increased Funding to Fight Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Subtitle B: Enhanced Penalties for Fraud and Abuse Subtitle C: Enhanced Program and Provider Protections Subtitle D: Access to Information Needed to Prevent Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Title VII: Medicaid and CHIP Subtitle A: Medicaid and Health Reform Subtitle B: Prevention Subtitle C: Access Subtitle D: Coverage Subtitle E: Financing Subtitle F: Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Subtitle G: Puerto Rico and the Territories Subtitle H: Miscellaneous Title VIII: Revenue-related Provisions Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions Subdivision C: Public Health and Workforce Development Title I: Community Health Centers Title II: Workforce Subtitle A: Primary Care Workforce Subtitle B: Nursing Workforce Subtitle C: Public Health Workforce Subtitle D: Adapting Workforce to Evolving Health System Needs Title III: Prevention and Wellness Title IV: Quality and Surveillance Title V: Other Provisions Subtitle A: Drug Discount for Rural and Other Hospitals Subtitle B: School-Based Health Clinics Subtitle C: National Medical Device Registry Subtitle D: Grants for Comprehensive Programs to Provide Education to Nurses and Create a Pipeline to Nursing Subtitle E: States Failing to Adhere to Certain Employment Obligations Division II: Committee on Education and Labor: Health Care Reform Division short title: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 Subdivision A: Affordable Health Care Choices Title I: Protections and Standards for Qualified Health Benefits Plans Subtitle A: General Standards Subtitle B: Standards Guaranteeing Access to Affordable Coverage Subtitle C: Standards Guaranteeing Access to Essential Benefits Subtitle D: Additional Consumer Protections Subtitle E: Governance Subtitle F: Relation to Other Requirements; Miscellaneous Subtitle G: Early Investments Title II: Health Insurance Exchange and Related Provisions Subtitle A: Health Insurance Exchange Subtitle B: Public Health Insurance Option Subtitle C: Individual Affordability Credits Subtitle D: State Innovation Title III: Shared Responsibility Subtitle A: Individual Responsibility Subtitle B: Employer Responsibility Title IV: Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Subtitle A: Shared Responsibility Subtitle B: Credit for Small Business Employee Health Coverage Expenses Subtitle C: Disclosures to Carry Out Health Insurance Exchange Subsidies Subtitle D: Other Revenue Provisions Subdivision B: Medicare and Medicaid Improvements Title I: Improving Health Care Value Subtitle A: Provisions Related to Medicare Part A Subtitle B: Provisions Related to Part B Subtitle C: Provisions Related to Medicare Parts A and B Subtitle D: Medicare Advantage Reforms Subtitle E: Improvements to Medicare Part D Subtitle F: Medicare Rural Access Protections Title II: Medicare Beneficiary Improvements Subtitle A: Improving and Simplifying Financial Assistance for Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries Subtitle B: Reducing Health Disparities Subtitle C: Miscellaneous Improvements Title III: Promoting Primary Care, Mental Health Services, and Coordinated Care Title IV: Quality Subtitle A: Comparative Effectiveness Research Subtitle B: Nursing Home Transparency Subtitle C: Quality Measurements Subtitle D: Physician Payments Sunshine Provision Subtitle E: Public Reporting on Health Care-Associated Infections Title V: Medicare Graduate Medical Education Title VI: Program Integrity Subtitle A: Increased Funding To Fight Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Subtitle B: Enhanced Penalties for Fraud and Abuse Subtitle C: Enhanced Program and Provider Protections Subtitle D: Access to Information Needed To Prevent Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Title VII: Medicaid and CHIP Subtitle A: Medicaid and Health Reform Subtitle B: Prevention Subtitle C: Access Subtitle D: Coverage Subtitle E: Financing Subtitle F: Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Subtitle G: Puerto Rico and the Territories Subtitle H: Miscellaneous Title VIII: Revenue-Related Provisions Title IX: Miscellaneous Provisions Subdivision C: Public Health and Workforce Development Title I: Community Health Centers Title II: Workforce Subtitle A: Primary Care Workforce Subtitle B: Nursing Workforce Subtitle C: Public Health Workforce Subtitle D: Adapting Workforce to Evolving Health System Needs Title III: Prevention and Wellness Title IV: Quality and Surveillance Title V: Other Provisions Subtitle A: Drug Discount for Rural and Other Hospitals Subtitle B: School-Based Health Clinics Subtitle C: National Medical Device Registry Subtitle D: Grants for Comprehensive Programs to Provide Education to Nurses and Create a Pipeline to Nursing Subtitle E: States Failing to Adhere to Certain Employment Obligations Subtitle F: Standards for Accessibility to Medical Equipment for Individuals With Disabilities Subtitle G: Other Grant Programs Subtitle H: Long-term Care and Family Caregiver Support Subtitle I: Online Resources Division III: House Committee on Education and Labor: Investing in Education Division short title: Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 Title I: Investing in Students and Families Subtitle A: Increasing College Access and Completion Subtitle B: Student Financial Aid Form Simplification Title II: Student Loan Reform Subtitle A: Stafford Loan Reform Subtitle B: Perkins Loan Reform Title III: Modernization, Renovation, and Repair Subtitle A: Elementary and Secondary Education Chapter 1: Grants for Modernization, Renovation, or Repair of Public School Facilities Chapter 2: Supplemental Grants for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama Chapter 3: General Provisions Subtitle B: Higher Education Title IV: Early Learning Challenge Fund Title V: American Graduation Initiative

Ensuring an up or down vote on certain health care legislation.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2010

Prohibits the Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order that provides for disposition of the Senate amendments to H.R. 3590 (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [PPACA]) unless it provides for: (1) at least one hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader; and (2) a requirement that the Speaker put the question on disposition of the Senate amendments and that the yeas and nays be considered as ordered thereon.

Stop Congressional Health Benefits Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2010

Stop Congressional Health Benefits Act - Prohibits a Member of Congress from participating in or being enrolled in any Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan between July 1, 2010, through the date on which the Comptroller General reports to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Secretary of the Senate, and the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives that health care reform legislation has been enacted. Makes this prohibition inapplicable if the Comptroller General determines by June 30, 2010, that such legislation has been enacted. Requires OPM to provide for a period of open enrollment for Members of Congress beginning on the earliest administratively feasible pay period following the date on which the Comptroller General reports such determination.

Consumer Recall Notification Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2010

Consumer Recall Notification Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to improve communication between state entities, state and local health departments, and facilities in order to provide consumers with more and timely notification of Class I recalls (situations in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death) by: (1) developing and distributing national and regional advisories concerning Class I recalls; (2) developing standardized formats for such advisories to be used by health or food safety agencies; and (3) providing frontline health professionals with information about symptoms to document and tests that should be performed to diagnose foodborne illness in relation to specific regional outbreaks that may occur as a result of an adulterated product. Requires a food facility that is subject to a Class I recall or a supplier that supplied products subject to such a recall to notify applicable retail establishments and restaurants within 24 hours of the public announcement of such recall. Directs the Commissioner to: (1) share commercial or financial information and lists of registered facilities with federal, state, local, and foreign agencies, provided they assure confidentiality of the information; (2) publish on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website a list of retail establishments, restaurants, and locations that sell or have sold products that are subject to a Class I recall; and (3) require on-site notification of a recalled product by posting notification in the freezer case or shelving unit in the retail establishment where the product is sold. Sets civil penalties for failure to notify retailers, restaurants, and customers.

Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2010

Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act - Prohibits the President from: (1) regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents or any transactions incident to such travel; and (2) restricting direct transfers from a Cuban financial institution to a U.S. financial institution executed in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. States that: (1) any regulation restricting or prohibiting such Cuban travel shall have no effect; and (2) such prohibition shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. citizens or legal residents. Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to define "payment of cash in advance" as the payment by the purchaser of an agricultural commodity or product and the receipt of such payment by the seller prior to: (1) the transfer of title of such commodity or product to the purchaser; and (2) the release of control of such commodity or product to the purchaser.

Bleeding Disorder Screening, Awareness, and Further Education (SAFE) Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 2010

Bleeding Disorder Screening, Awareness, and Further Education (SAFE) Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out the following activities: (1) development of a new, or identification of an existing, screening questionnaire that is evidence-based and in accordance with clinical guidelines for use in the diagnosis of bleeding disorders in adolescents and young adults; and (2) as widely as possible in adolescent populations, dissemination and implementation of the screening questionnaire and other screening tools relevant to the diagnosis of bleeding disorders, ensuring referrals as specified. Directs the Secretary to give priority to grant or contract applicants proposing to provide screening to high school or higher education students. Requires the Secretary to conduct an education campaign to increase awareness about bleeding disorders among health professionals. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to award grants or contracts to public or nonprofit private entities to: (1) augment existing research efforts to evaluate, improve, and standardize methods for diagnosing bleeding disorders; and (2) expand ongoing efforts to determine the prevalence of bleeding disorders in the general population, identify symptoms, risk factors, and co-morbidities associated with bleeding disorders, and implement female-specific surveillance systems and conduct related research to improve bleeding symptoms and quality of life among adolescent and adult women with bleeding disorders. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the results of activities under this Act.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that biotechnology firms meeting small business standards are critical to the United States, its people and its economy because they create new medicines, services, and jobs and meet unmet needs related to populations and patients with infectious and chronic diseases, including those of medically underserved populations.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2010

Recognizes: (1) that the public deserves the safest, most effective, and efficient processes to save the lives of people living in the United States with infectious and chronic diseases; and (2) the need to coordinate existing public funding to help small business biotechnology firms whose products may be lost due to domestic economic conditions, and to fund critical paths for small biotechnology drug development and for regulatory review and commercial approval. Expresses support for: (1) the domestic development and commercialization of biotechnology research by firms meeting small business size standards and collaborations with university-based biotechnology research facilities; and (2) the advancement of U.S.-based commercialization of point of care therapeutics and diagnostics by emerging and small business biotechnology firms for domestic and global use. Encourages: (1) the development of a national strategic framework to facilitate technological advancements in improving the commercialization processes for small business biotechnology firms; (2) the creation of incentives for small business biotechnology companies that perform basic and applied research through the development and commercialization of biotechnology products and processes and their diffusion into national and local economies; (3) the development of a comprehensive approach to describing disease populations and the production of comprehensive research programs that are current with evolving biotechnology and the unmet needs of diverse patient populations; and (4) the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a Federal Biotechnology Coordinating Council representative of small business biotechnology companies, research facilities, and federal agencies with a strategic initiative to facilitate development and preserve these small business biotechnology firms and coordinate resources and funding mechanisms.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "National Public Health Week".

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2010

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week. Recognizes: (1) the efforts of public health professionals, the federal government, states, municipalities, local communities, and individuals in improving the health of the people of the United States; and (2) the role of public health programs in preventing disease, promoting good health, protecting the food supply, protecting worker health and safety, ensuring access to clean air and water, promoting nutrition for children, and achieving the many other benefits of public health programs that promote the health of people of the United States. Encourages: (1) efforts to increase access to clinical and community-based preventive services, and to strengthen the public health system of the United States; (2) community planners to consider the health implications of planning decisions and to plan communities and transportation systems that enable all residents to access safe, affordable housing, nutritious foods, clean air and water, public transportation, safe sidewalks, streets, and public health services; and (3) each person in the United States to learn about the role of public health programs in improving the health of the people of the United States.

Recognizing National Public Health Week.

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2010

Recognizes: (1) National Public Health Week; (2) the efforts of public health professionals, the federal government, states, municipalities, local communities, and every person in the United States in improving the health of the nation; and (3) the role of public health in preventing disease and promoting the health of people in the United States. Encourages: (1) efforts to increase access to clinical and community-based preventive services and to strengthen the nation's public health system; (2) community designers to take into consideration health implications of planning decisions and to build communities and transportation systems that enable all residents access to safe, affordable housing, nutritious foods, clean air and water, public transportation, safe sidewalks and streets, and health services; and (3) the people of the United States to learn about the role of public health in improving the nation's health.

A concurrent resolution recognizing and congratulating the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the new official site of the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service and the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010

Recognizes the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the new official site of the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service and the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial.

Patients' Right to Know Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010

Patients' Right to Know Act - Requires each entity offering a health benefits plan to make available to enrollees and potential enrollees specified information, including covered items and services, a list of limitations and restrictions, the claims appeal process, out-of-pocket cost-sharing, among other things. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the state Medicaid plan to provide that the state will establish and maintain laws to require disclosure to the public and the Secretary of information on hospital and ambulatory surgical center prices and quality.

To provide for insurance reform (including health insurance reform), amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reform Medicare Advantage and reduce disparities in the Medicare Program, regulate the importation of prescription drugs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010

Amends the McCarran-Ferguson Act to restore application of the Clayton Act and other antitrust laws to insurers. Prohibits premium variation except by geographic premium rating area and by family enrollment. Requires each health benefits plan issuer that offers health insurance coverage in the individual or group market in a state to accept every employer and individual in the state that applies for such coverage. Places restrictions on federal funding of abortion, except in cases of certain physical conditions, rape, or incest. Limits a health benefits plan to selling health insurance coverage to U.S. citizens and lawful resident aliens. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) and title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for: (1) Medicare Advantage, with respect to the blended benchmark amount and elimination of the MA Regional Plan Stabilization Fund; (2) an increase in the physician fee schedule practice expense geographic adjustment; (3) establishment of a Medicare operated prescription drug plan option; and (4) pharmacy reimbursement. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to revise requirements for the importation of prescription drugs. Requires the registration of importers and exporters. Prescribes requirements for: (1) the disposition of certain drugs denied admission into the United States; (2) alternative identification of the chain of custody of certain prescription drugs, including through the use of standardized anti-counterfeiting or track-and-trace technologies; and (3) the sale of prescription drugs through an Internet site. Prohibits the introduction of restricted transactions with unregistered foreign pharmacies into a payment system or the completion of such transactions using a payment system. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to disallow a deduction from income for advertising and promotional expenses for prescription pharmaceuticals. Requires a pharmacy benefit manager with a contract with a health benefits plan to comply with fiduciary standards established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to require any drug manufacturer with a rebate agreement concerning covered outpatient drugs to report to the HHS Secretary following a rebate period the total number of units used to calculate the monthly average manufacturer price for each covered outpatient drug.

Stem Cell Research Advancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010

Stem Cell Research Advancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct and support research that utilizes human stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells. Limits such research to stem cells that meet the following requirements: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of reproductive treatment, and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) it was determined through consultation with the individuals seeking reproductive treatment that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) the individuals seeking reproductive treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and received no financial or other inducements. Requires the Secretary to maintain, review every three years, and update as scientifically warranted, guidelines applicable to the conduct or support of human stem cell research by HHS. Prohibits the Secretary from using any funds for the conduct or support of human cloning. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to include in its biennial report to Congress a summary of research activities on human stem cells.

Food and Drug Administration Improvement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010

Food and Drug Administration Improvement Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require that all fees collected for the review of applications for human drugs, devices, animal drugs, or generic animal drugs be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury. Makes available amounts necessary for the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review such applications. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into agreements with persons from whom such fees are collected and terminates any existing agreements. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish the Center for Postmarket Drug, Device, and Biologic Safety and Effectiveness within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate approved drugs; and (2) transfer to the Center all responsibilities for such regulation from the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, or the Center for Devices and Radiological Health Organization. Requires a statement regarding the reporting of negative side effects of prescription drugs in televised direct-to-consumer drug advertisements (currently required in published advertisements). Requires the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to: (1) complete a review of the FDA's regulations and guidance pertaining to the labeling of drugs and biological products; and (2) post on the FDA's website all clinical trial adverse events included in the registry and results data bank of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Requires payment of a fee to the Secretary for the advertisement of drugs and devices. Requires doctors to inform patients and obtain consent to prescribe an approved drug for a purpose that has not been approved by the FDA.

Recognizing Certified Nurses Day.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2010

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Certified Nurses Day as founded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

A bill to allow individuals to elect to opt out of the Medicare part A benefits.

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010

Declares that no individual who elects to opt out of benefits under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) shall be required to: (1) opt out of benefits under SSA title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) as a condition for making such election; or (2) repay any amount paid under Medicare part A for items and services furnished prior to making such election.

Safeguarding Access to Preventative Services Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010

Safeguarding Access to Preventative Services Act of 2010 - Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using any recommendation of the Preventive Services Task Force to deny or restrict coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program (including Medicare, Medicaid, and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program). Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) prohibit a group health plan from using any recommendation of that Task Force to deny or restrict coverage; (2) require the sponsor of a group health plan, in determining which preventive items and services to provide coverage for, to consult the medical guidelines and recommendations of relevant professional medical organizations of relevant practice areas, including those relating to the coverage of women's preventive services; and (3) require the plan administrator to disclose such guidelines and recommendations as part of a summary of benefits and coverage provided to participants. Amends PHSA to apply such requirements to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the individual market in the same manner it applies to coverage offered in the group market.

Public Option Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010

Public Option Act or the Medicare You Can Buy Into Act - Amends part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize an option for any citizen or permanent resident of the United States to buy into Medicare.

Retraining a New Health Care Workforce Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010

Retraining a New Health Care Workforce Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and submit to Congress within nine months a strategic plan to retrain displaced workers to become health care professionals serving areas with a shortage of the type professionals involved. Requires the plan to include: (1) an overview of national shortages in health care professions; (2) an assessment of how existing federal health care workforce programs may be used to retrain displaced workers; and (3) recommendations for legislative and administrative changes for making such programs more effective. Requires the Secretary to establish a grant program for states to assist displaced workers to become state-licensed or certified health care professionals serving areas with a shortage of health care professionals.

Medicaid Services Restoration Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010

Medicaid Services Restoration Act of 2010 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to extend medical assistance coverage to therapeutic foster care services. Includes attainment and retention of functional status in rehabilitative services. Allows reasonable and efficient payment methodologies, including fee-for-service payments, case rates, daily rates, or other forms of capitated payment, as means of reimbursement for rehabilitative services. Includes medical or remedial services for attainment and retention of functional status among rehabilitative services. Includes among inpatient psychiatric hospital services for children early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services. Allows payment for medical assistance for diagnostic, screening, preventive, and rehabilitative services or optional targeted case management services furnished by qualified providers under non-medical programs, provided a state or local agency administering such plan complies with certain requirements. Allows reasonable and efficient payment methodologies for reimbursement for case management and targeted case management services. Authorizes the state to: (1) require case management services for each beneficiary; and (2) limit the case managers available in order to ensure that the case managers for eligible individuals are capable of ensuring that such individuals receive needed services. Allows staff of non-medical programs, or contractors with non-medical programs, to offer such services, so long as: (1) such individuals are state-qualified providers; and (2) the case management services are distinct from the non-medical program's direct services. Redefines case management services to mean those furnished to assist eligible individuals, who reside in a community setting or are transitioning to a community setting, in gaining access to needed medical, social, educational, and other services. Allows a state to provide case management or targeted case management services through multiple case managers to: (1) any qualified individual; (2) specific classes of individuals; or (3) individuals who reside in specified areas selected by the state.

Medicare Secondary Payer Enhancement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010

Medicare Secondary Payer Enhancement Act of 2010 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to any settlement, judgment, award, or other payment between a Medicare claimant and an applicable plan involving a payment made for items and services by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Prescribes requirements for a voluntary calculation and direct reimbursement by a Medicare claimant and an applicable plan to the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund or the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund, as appropriate, of a conditional payment of Medicare secondary payer claims for settlement purposes. Grants the Secretary the right to contest the amount of any such reimbursement, and the right of the claimant and plan to request a final recovery demand for reimbursement. Declares that requirements to reimburse the appropriate Trust Fund for any payment made by the Secretary with respect to an item or service shall not apply with respect to any settlement, judgment, award, or other payment by an applicable plan: (1) constituting a total payment obligation to a claimant of not more than $5,000; or (2) involving the ongoing responsibility for other medical payments of not more than $5,000. Changes from mandatory to discretionary the current civil money penalty for failure of an applicable plan to submit certain information to the Secretary with respect to any claimant. Prescribes requirements for the creation of safe harbors from such sanctions. Directs the Secretary to modify reporting requirements for liability insurance (including self-insurance), no fault insurance, and workers' compensation laws and plans so that entities responsible for reporting information are not required to access or report to the Secretary beneficiary Social Security numbers or health identification numbers. Sets a statute of limitations with respect to the recovery of payments by the United States. Establishes $30 user fees, adjusted annually for inflation, for requests submitted to the Secretary for direct conditional payment reimbursement and for final demand of a conditional payment.

Expressing support for designation of September 13, 2010, as "National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2010

Expresses support for the designation of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. Pledges to make the prevention and cure of cancer a public health priority. Urges public and private sector efforts to promote awareness, invest in research, and improve treatments for childhood cancer.

Health Insurance Rate Authority Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010

Health Insurance Rate Authority Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a uniform process for the review of potentially unreasonable increases in rates for health insurance coverage, which shall include premiums. Directs the Secretary to establish a Health Insurance Rate Authority to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary. Sets forth corrective actions for unreasonable increases in rates. Requires a report on state authority to review rates and take corrective action, rating requests received by the state and actions taken, justifications by insurance issuers for rate requests, and a recommended definition of unreasonable rate increase. Requires the Secretary to determine: (1) for which states the state insurance commissioner will review rate increases and take corrective action; and (2) for which states the Secretary will undertake such actions based on the Secretary's determination that such states lack the authority and capability. Directs the Secretary to develop a uniform data collection system for new and increased rate information. Requires the Authority to produce annually a single, aggregate report on insurance market behavior. Directs states, as a condition of receiving a grant under this Act, to provide the Secretary with information about trends in rate increases in health insurance coverage in premium rating areas in the state. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program to award grants to states to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enforce this Act if the state does not substantially enforce the provisions. Establishes civil penalties for violations.

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Reaffirms the U.S. people's commitment to combating multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about its causes and risks, promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment. Recognizes people living with multiple sclerosis and salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers who assist those living with multiple sclerosis and continue to work to find cures and improve treatments.

A resolution expressing support for Children's Dental Health Month and honoring the memory of Deamonte Driver.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010

Expresses support for Children's Dental Health Month. Honors the life of Deamonte Driver.

Health Insurance Rate Authority Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010

Health Insurance Rate Authority Act of 2010 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a uniform process for the review of potentially unreasonable increases in rates for health insurance coverage, including premiums. Directs the Secretary to establish a Health Insurance Rate Authority to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary. Sets forth corrective actions for unreasonable increases in rates. Requires the Secretary to ensure that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or other appropriate body will provide to the Secretary and the Authority a report on: (1) state authority to review rates and take corrective action; (2) rating requests received by a state and actions taken; (3) justifications by insurance issuers for rate requests; and (4) a recommended definition of unreasonable rate increase. Requires the Secretary to determine for which states: (1) the state insurance commissioner will review rate increases and take corrective action; and (2) the Secretary will undertake such actions based on the Secretary's determination that such states lack sufficient authority and capability. Directs the Secretary to develop a uniform data collection system for new and increased rate information. Requires the Authority to produce annually a single, aggregate report on insurance market behavior. Directs states, as a condition of receiving a grant under this Act, to provide the Secretary with information about trends in rate increases in health insurance coverage in premium rating areas in the state. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program to award grants to states to carry out this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enforce this Act if a state does not substantially enforce its provisions. Establishes civil penalties for violations.

PRIME Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010

Prostate Research, Imaging, and Men's Education Act of 2010 or the PRIME Act of 2010 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to: (1) carry out a program to expand and intensify research to develop advanced imaging technologies for prostate cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment comparable to mammogram technology; and (2) utilize the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and the National Cancer Institute for advanced stages of research in prostate imaging. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to: (1) carry out a grant program to encourage the early stages of research in prostate imaging to develop and implement new ideas, proof of concepts, and pilot studies for high-risk technologic innovation; and (2) establish interdisciplinary private-public partnerships to develop research strategies for expedited innovation in imaging and image-guided treatment. Directs the Secretary: (1) to carry out a national campaign to increase awareness and knowledge with respect to the need for prostate cancer screening and for improved detection technologies; (2) in carrying out the program and the campaign, to recognize and address the racial disparities in the incidences of prostate cancer and mortality rates and any racial barriers in access to care and participation in clinical trials; (3) establish a program to award grants to nonprofit private entities to test alternative outreach and education strategies; and (4) carry out research to develop an improved prostate cancer screening blood test using in-vitro detection.

Expressing support for the designation of the first week of April 2010 as National Asbestos Awareness Week.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010

Urges the Surgeon General to: (1) warn and educate people about the dangers of asbestos exposure, which may be hazardous to their health; and (2) designate a National Asbestos Awareness Week.

HEARING ON MENTAL HEALTH CARE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION FOR VETERANS

United States · United States Senate · 3 March 2010

A bill supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the Lung 2010.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the Year of the Lung (an initiative to raise awareness about lung health, initiate action worldwide, and advocate for resources to combat lung disease).

Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010

Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2010 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers the prices that may be charged to Medicare part D prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors and MedicareAdvantage (MA) organizations for covered part D drugs for part D eligible individuals who are enrolled under a PDP or under an MA-Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan.

Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the McKay-Dee Hospital in northern Utah.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010

Recognizes the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the McKay-Dee Hospital in northern Utah.

Supporting the goals and ideals of World Glaucoma Day.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010

Recommends that national and community health organizations, colleges and universities, and the media: (1) support the goals and ideals of World Glaucoma Day; and (2) promote strategies to decrease the undiagnosed and untreated cases of glaucoma. Calls for recognition of the American Glaucoma Society, the National Eye Institute, and the Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Foundation.

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the special diabetes programs for Type I diabetes and Indians under that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010

Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize appropriations for FY2012-FY2016 for: (1) type I diabetes research; and (2) diabetes prevention and treatment through Indian health facilities.

A concurrent resolution expressing support for the designation of March 20 as a National Day of Recognition for Long-Term Care Physicians.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of, and the designation of March 20 as, a National Day of Recognition for Long-Term Care Physicians.

Medicaid Options for Dental Fillings Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010

Medicaid Options for Dental Fillings Act of 2010 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the cost-sharing charged for a resin-based filling from exceeding: (1) the amount charged in the state for a mercury-based dental filling on January 1, 2010; or (2) the amount that the state charges for such a filling if less than the amount charged on that date. Prescribes a formula for determining Medicaid provider reimbursement rates for resin-based dental fillings.

Compassionate Access Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010

Compassionate Access Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to permit an investigational drug, biological product, or device to be made available for expanded access under a treatment investigational new drug application or treatment investigational device exemption if specified Compassionate Investigational Access requirements are met. Gives immunity to the manufacturer, distributor, administrator, sponsor, or physician from suit or liability relating to products approved under this Act. Establishes a procedure for accelerated approval of an investigational drug, biological product, or device that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit to a patient suffering from a serious or life-threatening condition. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) the Accelerated Approval Advisory Committee; (2) a new program to expand access to investigational treatments for individuals with serious or life threatening conditions and diseases; and (3) a demonstration project under the Medicare program to pay for drugs, biological, products, and devices approved under this Act. Requires the Secretary to consider the clinical judgment and risks to the patient from the disease or condition in evaluating the safety and effectiveness of drugs, biological products, and devices that treat serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions, including the evaluation of nonstatistical information. Requires any committee evaluating investigational drugs, devices, or biological product applications to have at least two patient representatives as voting members.

Expressing support for designation of a National Day of Recognition for Long-Term Care Physicians.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of, and the designation of, a National Day of Recognition for Long-Term Care Physicians.

Recognizing the life-saving role of ostomy care and prosthetics in the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of people in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010

Calls for: (1) the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that HHS programs, policies, and practices facilitate innovation of, and access to, medical devices that restore or improve intestinal or urinary system function of people in the United States with an ostomy; and (2) ostomy products to be recognized, categorized, covered, and reimbursed in a new payment category of prosthetic supplies, consistent with Medicare's current recognition of ostomy products as prosthetics.

A resolution designating the first week of April 2010 as "National Asbestos Awareness Week".

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2010

Designates the first week of April 2010 as National Asbestos Awareness Week. Urges the Surgeon General to warn and educate people about asbestos exposure, which may be hazardous to their health.

Supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the Lung 2010.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2010

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the Year of the Lung (an initiative to raise awareness about lung health, initiate action worldwide, and advocate for resources to combat lung disease).

Transparency in All Health Care Pricing Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010

Transparency in All Health Care Pricing Act of 2010 - Requires any and all individuals or business entities, including physicians, pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufactures, and insurance entities, that offer or furnish health care related items, products, services, or procedures for sale to the public to publicly disclose, on a continuous basis, all prices for such items, products, services, or procedures. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) investigate any individuals or business entities that fail to comply with the requirements of this Act; and (2) impose civil fines, or other civil penalties, as appropriate.

National Alzheimer's Project Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010

National Alzheimer's Project Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of the National Alzheimer's Project to: (1) accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt, or reverse the course of Alzheimer's; (2) create and maintain an integrated national plan to overcome Alzheimer's; (3) help to coordinate the health care and treatment of citizens with Alzheimer's; (4) ensure the inclusion of ethnic and racial populations that are at higher risk for Alzheimer's or that are least likely to receive care in clinical, research, and service efforts with the purpose of decreasing health disparities; (5) coordinate with international bodies to integrate and inform the fight against Alzheimer's globally; and (6) provide information and coordination of Alzheimer's research and services across all federal agencies. Sets forth the duties of the Director of the Office, including to use discretionary authority to evaluate all federal programs concerning Alzheimer's. Establishes in the Office an Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research and Treatment.

Reinstatement of Personal Responsibility for Immigrants Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010

Reinstatement of Personal Responsibility for Immigrants Act of 2010 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) of the Social Security Act to repeal the authority of states to elect to provide medical assistance to children and pregnant women who are lawfully residing in the United States, notwithstanding the mandatory five-year delay for general coverage of legal immigrants. Requires CHIP to participate in the state income and eligibility verification system (SAVE program). Requires application under Medicaid and CHIP of the citizenship verification procedures that applied before enactment of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA). Rescinds unobligated amounts under CHIPRA for the alternative state process for verification of declaration of citizenship or nationality for purposes of eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP.

To expand the availability of health savings accounts, to eliminate restrictions on the deduction for medical expenses, and to provide for cooperative governing of individual health insurance coverage offered in interstate commerce.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise provisions related to health savings accounts, including to: (1) adjust the amount allowable as a deduction for health savings accounts; and (2) eliminate the restriction on purchasing health insurance from a health savings account. Eliminates the gross income percentage limitation on the tax deduction for medical expenses. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that the laws of the state designated by a health insurance issuer (primary state) shall apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that issuer in the primary state and in any other state (secondary state), but only if the coverage and issuer comply with the conditions of this Act. Exempts issuers from any secondary state's laws that would prohibit or regulate the operation of the issuer in such state, subject to certain restrictions imposed by such state. Requires each issuer issuing individual health insurance coverage in both primary and secondary states to submit to the insurance commissioners of such states: (1) a copy of the plan of operation or feasibility study; (2) written notice of any change in its designation of its primary state and of its compliance with all the laws of the primary state; and (3) a quarterly financial statement. Prohibits an issuer from offering, selling, or issuing individual health insurance coverage in a secondary state if the state insurance commissioner does not use a risk-based capital formula for the determination of capital and surplus requirements for all issuers. Gives sole jurisdiction to the primary state to enforce the primary state's covered laws in the primary state and any secondary state.

Supporting the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010

Expresses support for the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to provide a special opportunity to offer education on the importance of early detection and screening.

Supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010

Expresses support for the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Reaffirms the nation's commitment to combating multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about its causes and risks, promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to medical treatment. Recognizes people living with multiple sclerosis and salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers who assist those so afflicted and continue to work to find cures and improve treatments.

National Alzheimer's Project Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010

National Alzheimer's Project Act - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Office of the National Alzheimer's Project to: (1) accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt, or reverse the course of Alzheimer's; (2) create and maintain an integrated national plan to overcome Alzheimer's; (3) help to coordinate the health care and treatment of citizens with Alzheimer's; (4) ensure the inclusion of ethnic and racial populations that are at higher risk for Alzheimer's or that are least likely to receive care in clinical, research, and service efforts with the purpose of decreasing health disparities; (5) coordinate with international bodies to integrate and inform the fight against Alzheimer's globally; and (6) provide information and coordination of Alzheimer's research and services across all federal agencies. Sets forth the duties of the Director of the Office, including to use discretionary authority to evaluate all federal programs concerning Alzheimer's. Establishes in the Office an Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research and Treatment.

Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010

Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to eliminate the 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services.